Alia's Birth | |
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Directed by | Sam Abbas |
Written by | Sam Abbas |
Produced by |
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Starring |
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Cinematography | Soledad Rodríguez |
Edited by | Sam Abbas |
Production companies |
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Release date |
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Language | English |
Alia's Birth is a 2021 independent drama film by Sam Abbas starring Poorna Jagannathan, Nikohl Boosheri, Maya Kazan, and Samuel H. Levine.
Cast
- Poorna Jagannathan as Jaime
- Nikohl Boosheri as Tess
- Maya Kazan as Jenna
- Samuel H. Levine as Shadi
- Edward Akrout as Tom
Production
In April 2019, it was announced Poorna Jagannathan, Nikohl Boosheri, were cast for Alia's Birth, with Sam Abbas directing the film. Tatiana Bears, Nicole Townsend and Abbas were producing, with Sig De Miguel and Stephen Vincent co-producing.[1][2] Shortly after the rest of the cast was released.[3][4]
Abbas released exclusively via The Hollywood Reporter a contest for female-filmmakers to submit their short works to be included in Alia's Birth. The response was tremendous, with hundreds of submissions[5] He quoted, "While I can't talk much about the narrative, the importance of this short piece being female-directed is crucial, Alia's Birth is female-led, from the acting to behind the camera. I find it easier to communicate and collaborate when working with women. I grew up surrounded by amazing women, and my favorite films are led by women."[6] Abbas also mentioned that the winner of the short film contest was filmmaker Sindha Agha.[7]
Release
In May 2020, The Hollywood Reporter released a first-look of the feature with major information. The film was shortlisted for the 2020 Cannes Film festival before the festival was cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Abbas made it clear that the film was for theatrical viewings only. It would never have a life outside of theatres; no DVD/Blu-ray/VOD release.[8] The film premiered on 26 August 2021.[9]
Reception
The Guardian was the first to review saying "the sudden onrush of biological imperative gives this footage a gripping undeniability and focus that this loosely collaged account of a foundering Brooklyn relationship has been searching for".[10]
References
- ↑ "'The Night Of,' 'The Bold Type' Stars to Lead LGBTQ Drama 'Alia's Birth' (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. 23 April 2019. Retrieved 23 April 2019.
- ↑ "Poorna Jagannathan, Nikohl Boosheri To Topline 'Alia's Birth'". Deadline. Retrieved 23 April 2019.
- ↑ "'Actors Samuel H. Levine (Bull, Red Oaks), Maya Kazan (The Unicorn, Boardwalk Empire), and Edward Akrout (Turn, Gypsy) have been added to the cast of Sam Abbas' indie drama, Alia's Birth". Deadline. 15 May 2019. Retrieved 15 May 2019.
- ↑ "' cast for the queer drama Alia's Birth has also been announced". GLAAD. 25 April 2019. Retrieved 15 May 2019.
- ↑ "Egyptian Director Sam Abbas Launches Contest for Female Filmmakers (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. 14 May 2019. Retrieved 14 May 2019.
- ↑ "Sam Abbas launches contest for female filmmakers". Outlook (Indian magazine). Retrieved 14 May 2019.
- ↑ "First-Look Photo: Sam Abbas' LGBTQ Drama 'Alia's Birth'". The Hollywood Reporter. May 2020. Retrieved 1 May 2020.
- ↑ "First-Look Photo: Sam Abbas' LGBTQ Drama 'Alia's Birth'". The Hollywood Reporter. May 2020. Retrieved 1 May 2020.
- ↑ Sandran, Aravin (12 August 2021). "Alia's Birth Director Sam Abbas Doesn't Write Scripts". GQ. Retrieved 24 August 2021.
- ↑ Hoad, Phil (23 August 2021). "Alia's Birth review – a loosely collaged portrait of a foundering relationship". The Guardian. Retrieved 23 August 2021.